As the 1960s came into view, Walt Disney continued to double down on the Disney Studios’ foray into live-action, which began a decade earlier with 1950’s Treasure Island. In particular, he made Fred MacMurray a central figure in Disney’s live-action comedies.
In the latest issue of The Walt Disney Family Museum’s member magazine, filmmaker and former Disney voice artist Bruce Reitherman shared memories and insights about working on Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book (1967). Bruce was not only the voice of the lead character Mowgli, but also the son of the film’s director, Wolfgang “Woolie” Reitherman. The conversation between the younger Reitherman and historian Lucas O. Seastrom covered everything from the making of The Jungle Book to Wolfgang Reitherman
Released March 16, 1961, the film came in the middle of a record year for The Walt Disney Studios during which time Walt released three of the six highest-grossing films of the year—One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) came in at third while The Parent Trap (1961) came in sixth, just behind The Absent-Minded Professor—outgrossing notables like Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) starring Audrey Hepburn.
The Walt Disney Company, now celebrating its 100th anniversary, began with a deal made with Margaret J. Winkler for the distribution of Walt’s first series, the Alice Comedies. Producer and distributor Margaret Winkler was not just responsible for giving the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio their start, but was a champion of the animation industry which turned inked drawings into internationally-beloved characters.
Need something to do while you are stuck inside? We have compiled ten articles exploring legendary Disney animators for you to read, and are starting a Blog Club on our Facebook page to foster discussion on these topics. Read any of the articles that interest you, and join the Blog Club conversation on our Facebook page each day as we explore the articles.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join us for our newest in-person tour, Wonderful Women of Disney. A certified Storyteller guide will share and celebrate the contributions of important women throughout Disney history, including the eras of Walt’s early life, Ink & Paint, and Imagineering.
Legendary animator Andreas Deja presents Mushka (2023), an animated short that tells the beautiful and touching tale of a young girl and the tiger cub she’s raising. The screening at The Walt Disney Family Museum marks the film’s world premiere as part of the 66th San Francisco International Film
In this two-week class, be prepared to reimagine ideas and designs as you learn what it takes to be an animator. Students will focus on combining animation principles, 2D digital animation software, and the four natural elements: fire, wind, water, and earth. Various traditional and experimental
At the heart of every great artist is a strong foundation of skills allowing them to take their ideas and turn the imaginary into reality. Join us this summer for a two-week class focusing on the fundamentals of drawing infrastructures. Whether it be exteriors of skyscrapers or interiors of cozy
Take the first step on an incredible two-week journey as we look at what it means to be a woman in animation. Students will design their own female lead character while studying narrative structure, fairy tales, writing tropes, and stereotypes in animated films. After developing concept art and
Before celluloid animation came into vogue, the dominant form of animation was stop motion. Join us for this two-week class in which you learn the basics of armature building. After focusing on facial features, hair, texture, and clothing, students will build their own wire stop motion puppet and
Join us as we honor one of the greatest pieces of technology formerly used within the animation industry: the multiplane camera. In this two-week class, prepare to reimagine ideas and designs as you learn what it takes to be an animator. Using animation principles and paper cut-outs, various methods
A well-developed setting can set your story apart and completely immerse your audience. Join us for a two-week intensive course exploring visual development. In this session, students focus on the process of crafting an original world from initial idea to concept art and beyond. Students brainstorm
From body shape to clothing, every piece of a character gives a viewer insight into who they are. Join us for this two-week intensive class as you learn what it takes to design memorable and original anthropomorphic characters. As you create a new personality, dive further into stylized animal
During the 1920s and early 1930s, rubber hose characters became the staple in animation. With exaggerated flexibility and rubbery limbs, this genre of animation was not only a time saver for animators but gave this era an iconic look. Join us for this two-week intensive class that focuses on 2D
Join voice actress Kaitlyn Robrock, the current voice of Minnie Mouse, as she discusses her experience bringing to life one of the world’s most iconic characters.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is pleased to announce its next community exhibition, Spirit of the Season: A Community Art Exhibition. Adult and teen artists are invited to submit artwork inspired by their own holiday traditions and expressing what the spirit of the season means to them.
This month, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a special Storytime reading of the new Little Golden Book, Walt Disney’s Little Man of Disneyland: A Change of Luck with author and illustrator Nick Balian. A sequel to the beloved 1955 classic Little Man of Disneyland, Balian will read his book aloud
One Saturday morning in 1953, artist Herb Ryman sat down in front of Walt Disney and started to sketch. He had two full days to create a visual concept depicting an idea of Walt’s: an amusement park that would appeal to both children and adults.
What is the oldest attraction in Disneyland? At roughly 55 to 70 million years old, the petrified tree in Frontierland, an anniversary gift from Walt to Lillian Disney.